For months, you planned the trip, taking note of the equipment you’d bring and the fun you’d have. With the holidays approaching, now is the time to spend quality time with family. Often, that means getting away from your house. As a serious homeowner, you know there are things to do before you depart. So, consider this article an essential review. Here’s what you need to do before you head out on a holiday trip.
Get Plane Tickets Ahead of Time If You’re Flying
Research shows approximately 1 billion U.S. passengers fly every year. But when it comes to flying, too many variables exist that may be outside of your control. Flight delays, in particular, can occur due to adverse weather, mechanical issues, and weight restrictions. That’s why you need to make sure you get your tickets early, so you don’t add any extra time to the delays that may already take place. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports about 20% of all flights are delayed by 15 minutes or more. In addition to flight delays, there is the risk of making a mistake in the booking process, like booking the wrong flight or kind of ticket. In the end, it’s simply much better to prepare for your trip in advance and get your plane tickets sooner.
Let Your Landlord Know You’ll Be Away
It’s not vitally necessary, but your landlord can benefit from knowing you’ll be leaving for vacation. If emergency repairs or a safety issue arise, a landlord can come onto the property anyway. However, if they know you won’t be there, they can skip the courtesy knock, which might save them if something is seriously wrong. Generally speaking, letting your landlord know you’re leaving isn’t that big of a deal. However, it’s in your best interests to double-check your lease if you’re renting. The U.S. Census Bureau reports an estimated 65% of Americans under the age of 35 are renting. Sometimes, there will be a clause in your lease about abandonment, meaning if there is no one living in the apartment, the lease is no longer valid. Always be sure to double-check, and you’ll see that letting your landlord know that you’re going on a trip is in everyone’s best interests.
Finish Any Necessary Car Maintenance
You’re not driving around the block or heading out for your typical weekend road trip. If you’re planning on going on a serious vacation, you’ll need to complete the necessary maintenance on your vehicle. Start with the reasons; you’re driving on a long-distance trip, so your tire treads might get worn or the car battery might deplete enough that it no longer powers your headlights. In addition to that, you might want to think about how many times you want to stop at a gas station to refill your windshield wiper fluid. So, while you have to think about what you can bring ahead of time, it’s also important to plan to avoid car repairs. Therefore, you might want to take another look at your brakes, steering wheel, transmission, and emergency braking system. Be sure your air conditioning and heat will run by using them frequently well before the trip. The more effort you put into car maintenance, the less likely your trip will be slowed down.
Make Sure You’re Not Leaving Your Heat on Too High
The last thing you want to do is leave your home completely unheated, because a freezing home could cause pipes to freeze and burst, resulting in significant disaster. But if you’re thinking in terms of what’s energy-efficient, then leaving your heat on too high when you leave for vacation isn’t a good idea, after all. With moisture and a temperature of 41 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, mold will begin growing within 24 to 48 hours, meaning it’s a good idea to keep the temperature between 68 and 72 degrees while you’re away. Your trip shouldn’t begin until you’ve taken the time to set your temperature, so hopefully, by now, you’ve purchased a programmable thermostat for your home. As long as you can control the temperature, you’re more likely to return home to a comfortable environment, so be sure to double-check your thermostat before you leave.
(For when you’re traveling or at home, here are 10 Ways to Save Money Heating Your Home.)
Take Note of the Weather Before You Leave
You must take note of the weather so you can be prepared for problems. Rain has a significant impact on driving. Rain makes braking more difficult as tires begin to lose traction, especially at higher speeds. If you’re driving too fast in the rain, the water pressure raises the vehicle so that it slides on a thin layer of water. Knowing that your family is coming along, your focus should be on safe driving before you even venture out of the house. Before leaving, make sure you’re steady and calm and up the task of driving in potentially adverse weather. At the same time, make sure to bring comfortable sneakers or boots, a hat and pair of gloves, a cardigan, jacket, and scarf for a long trip.
Your long-distance holiday trip is going to be a lot of fun. You knew that from the moment you started planning. But you also knew there were some moves you had to make to keep your home in good shape before you left. From keeping your heat at a reasonable temperature to going over the weather before you leave, there is never too much planning you can take. Now, as long as your car is ready for work, it’s up to you and your family to have the time of your lives.
What other tips would you add to this list?